WI vs IND 2022: When Indian captain Rohit Sharma decided not to utilize Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the last over of the second Twenty20 international match against the West Indies on August 1, quite a few people’s heads were raised.
At that point, all the Caribbean team needed to do to tie the series was score 16 runs in the last two overs of their innings. At that point in the game being played in St. Kitts, Kumar still had two overs left in his allotment and had only given up 12 runs.
The remarkable second last over was bowled by Arshdeep Singh, who allowed just six runs to be scored. However, Sharma’s choice to utilize Avesh Khan in the last over was not successful since Khan was unable to provide what was necessary. The young bowler, who is just 25 years old, gave up a no-ball on his very first delivery, followed by a four and a six that the home team used to draw even in the series.
What a waste …
Giving worst bowler of the match Avesh Khan the last over …
Stupid captaincy or on purpose ..#WIvIND pic.twitter.com/w8UfF6lEb3— Vinit Thakur (@vinit290) August 1, 2022
WI vs IND 2022: What did Rohit Sharma say?
During the presentation ceremony that took place after the match, Rohit Sharma discussed the reasoning behind his decision to support Khan and Arshdeep Singh rather than Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s expertise. He said:
“We are well aware of what it is that Bhuvi does for us since he has been doing it for a very long time. You’ll never find out until you give men like Avesh and Arshdeep the opportunity to prove themselves. But it is only one game. They already possess the knowledge and the expertise necessary, so the next step is to provide support for them.”
Rohit Sharma said "Avesh Khan has got the skills and talent – it was just one game, unless you give chances, you never know – it's all about backing the players".
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 2, 2022
The bowlers, led by the 35-year-old, were happy with how they made the West Indies’ goal of 139 appear like it would be tough to achieve despite the defeat. Sharma added:
“I am proud of my bowlers. We were able to drag the target until the very last over, even though it might have been completed in 13 or 14 overs. I believe the boys were able to carry out their strategies. I am really satisfied with the manner they bowled.”
